The Lowdown On Downloads

While the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry was on its toes last week blaming illegal copying and downloads for 2002's 7% slump in global sales of recorded music, the industry has long been dragging its feet in boosting legal online music sellers. Legit sites like Rhapsody and Pressplay in the U.S. may be mere ripples on the bottom line, but signs are suddenly everywhere of bigger waves to come: last week's news that Apple is eyeing a $6 billion bid for Universal Music bolstered persistent rumors of Apple's long-term ambition to add digital music delivery to its iLife philosophy. Also...